The Simplest of Gifts

Their eyes were giddy with excitement at the thought of cookie dough. I had them each pull up a stool to help mix the ingredients. Such simple ways to celebrate the season. All I had said was,

"Let's put on some Christmas music and make cookies!"

With cheers of delight they scurried down the stairs, so ready to soak in the joy of the moment.

It challenges me to see their eager hearts and open hands, ready to receive a gift.

Do I so willingly rush to the manger to see the child? Do we find the gift in even the smallest of joys?

As we rolled our favorite holiday cookies, I thought of how precious of a memory we were forming in our own lives. To see the gifts of the season, in the simplest of ways...lights on the houses, bells ringing out front of grocery stores, people humming carols to themselves as they look for treats for the under the tree... might I find these gifts today.

Linking up with Tuesdays Unwrapped today.

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As promised the recipes from this weekend's dessert:

noel nut balls

(a.k.a. Snowballs, Mexican Wedding Cakes)

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups finely chopped pecans

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Sift flour, sugar, and salt together. Work in butter and vanilla. Add 2 cups of pecans and mix well. Form into 1/2 in. balls and place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 8-10 min. Roll in powdered sugar while still warm. So cute in cupcake liners and wrapped up for a gift! Or beautiful set out on trays.

MY NEW FAVORITE HOLIDAY TREAT!!!

(i love this recipe, because they are divine and only 3 ingredients!!)

mint oreo truffles

1 package mint oreos (finely crushed)

1 package cream cheese (softened)

2 packages of semi sweet chocolate squares, melted (chips work fine as well)

Crush oreos in plastic bag (or food processor) and place in large mixing bowl. Add softened cream cheese and mix well. Form into 1 in. balls. Then roll (or dip) in melted chocolate. (this is the only tricky part...using a spoon and kind of rolling it in the chocolate was easiest for us). Refrigerate for at least 20 min. to harden. (NO BAKING REQUIRED!)

chocolate covered strawberries

melt semi sweet chocolate chips, and dip strawberries in chocolate. stick in the fridge until time for party...then put on a pretty tray, and voila! your party just got fancy.

(picture credits: http://www.goodeatsblog.com/2007/12/oreo-truffles.html)